Overview

What are the career outcomes for Master of Nursing Science graduates?

As a registered nurse (RN) at one of the top nursing universities in Australia, you are stepping into a future-proof field with growing demand. Graduates can pursue a diverse range of specialties in areas such as mental health, critical care, paediatrics, oncology, public health, digital health and research.

What are the top career paths after completing a Master of Nursing Science?

• Become a registered nurse. Gain registration and provide high‑quality clinical care in hospitals, community, aged care or primary health settings.
• Further specialisations. The university offers a broad range of specialist elective opportunities to further develop your skills and interests.
• Advance healthcare. Combine your master's with clinical experience and further study to become a nurse leader, advanced practice nurse or nurse educator to lead change, improve patient outcomes and train the next generation.

What is the expected salary for Master of Nursing Science graduates?

The expected entry level salary for a Master of Nursing Science graduate working as an RN is $60,000-$70,000 plus super. This can be much higher for shift work or regional or international opportunities that have relocation costs.

The average salary after 3-4 years for a Master of Nursing Science graduate is $75,000-$85,000 plus super.

(Source: Fair Work Ombudsman 2025).

What can you do with a Master of Nursing Science?

Employers in this field include:

• Hospitals like the Royal Melbourne Hospital and Royal Children’s Hospital.
• Aged care facilities and retirement homes across Victoria.
• Ambulatory care providers such as: General Practice clinics and out-patient hospital clinics.
• Mental health services such as Foresicare or Ramsay Cinic Albert Road.
• Research centres and clinical trial units such as the RMH clinical trials centre.
• Community based Palliative care such as Palliative care Victoria, and Very Special Kids.
• Telehealth and digital health providers such as the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department.
• In home acute care such as Bolton Clarke and St Vincent’s Hospital District Nursing.

What accreditation does the Master of Nursing Science provide?

Upon completion, you are eligible for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia and the Australian Health Practitioners Registering Authority (AHPRA) as a registered Division 1 nurse (RN). You can also apply to have this degree accredited internationally to practice nursing in the USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, and elsewhere.

How does the Master of Nursing Science help to make industry connections?

Enjoy a range of opportunities to gain experience and build relationships in industry.

• Extensive clinical placements at our prestigious partner institutions such as The Royal Melbourne Hospital.
• Gain pre-graduation work experience as health assistants at Melbourne Health.
• Attend nursing panels and events.
• Connect with our network of health care partners: Royal Children's Hospital, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Centre for Digital Transformation of Health, and the Collaborative Practice Centre.

What career support services are available for Master of Nursing Science students?

Plan and achieve your goals with our career support services. Access these services to build your confidence and improve your career readiness while studying.

Support includes:

• Personalised career consultations
• Workshops on resume writing, LinkedIn optimisation, and interview skills
• Access to an exclusive job portal connecting students to industry opportunities
• Networking events with alumni and professionals

Find career advice

University of Melbourne alumni profile

Meet Minn Tock, a Master of Nursing Science Alum who now works as a registered nurse at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. Here, she shares how her degree helped her get the real experience needed to pursue a rewarding career in nursing. You will learn how a combination of clinical experience, international placements, and different specialties, prepared Minn Tock for a rewarding career in nursing.

What further study options are available after this course?

Upon completion of the Master of Nursing Science, you may be eligible to pursue further postgraduate studies, such as a Master of Advanced Nursing Practice, to advance your knowledge and expertise in specialised areas of nursing. Certain subjects in the MNSc can give credit for specialty certificates or future post-registration masters, helping you save time. MNSc graduates would also be supported to transition to a higher degree research pathway.

Explore graduate research